
Developing Spent Fuel Strategies
Generating new solutions for spent fuel waste management and addressing broader fuel cycle concerns
Nuclear materials, whether used in weapons systems or for energy programs, are at risk of theft, sabotage, or diversion by state and non-state actors alike. A lack of political focus, patchy regulations, and inconsistent enforcement globally could pave the way for an act of nuclear terrorism. Additionally, as the demand for nuclear energy grows, so does the risk that individual countries could divert nuclear materials from peaceful purposes to develop clandestine nuclear weapons programs.
NTI’s Nuclear Materials Security Program works to strengthen global nuclear security and verifiably prevent the spread of nuclear materials that could be used to create a nuclear bomb. The program works closely with governments, industry, and other non-government organizations to better secure vulnerable nuclear materials or eliminate them where possible. It also seeks to identify and implement new approaches to the nuclear fuel cycle, reducing proliferation risks, and fostering responsible nuclear energy growth. NTI establishes practical solutions by convening leaders, developing actionable recommendations, and tracking progress on commitments, taking into account each stage of the nuclear fuel cycle and advanced reactor development.
Our work includes:
Generating new solutions for spent fuel waste management and addressing broader fuel cycle concerns
Building a safer, more secure, and more proliferation-resistant nuclear fuel cycle
Breaking down gender barriers and making gender equity a working reality
Strengthening the global nuclear security system
Minimizing the use of HEU in civil applications
Engaging a diverse group of states to develop innovative monitoring and verification solutions
Improving verification to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation
Building a framework for assurance, accountability, and action
The International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV) convened its most recent working meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico from April 24-28, 2023, hosted by Sandia National Laboratories.
NTI convened nuclear security leaders from across governments and industry, as well as international, research, and non-governmental organizations, for the sixteenth meeting of the Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities in Vienna, Austria.
As the war in Ukraine continues, destroying cities and causing the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe in a generation, NTI’s policy experts are fanning out across the news media to discuss the implications of Putin’s actions
NTI hosted Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, White House Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, and four other government leaders for a public event about this critical step for strengthening global security.
The CNS Global Incidents and Trafficking Database found more than 350 incidents of nuclear and radioactive material outside of regulatory control in 2020 and 2021.